Doncaster Rovers: Use Sheffield United clash as the last chance to impress urges McCann

Grant McCann has urged his Doncaster Rovers players to use the clash with Sheffield United as a final opportunity to force their way into the side for the opening day of the season.

Rovers host the Blades for their final friendly of pre-season ahead of the trip to Southend United next weekend.

Though much of the strong team which played Tuesday night's friendly at Grimsby Town will start against Chris Wilder's side, McCann has promised numerous changes throughout the game as he hands his players an chance to impress.

"A lot of people will maybe get 45 minutes each, just to see the final jigsaw coming together for the Southend game," McCann said.

"Who is ready? Who is not?

"Most of the group that played against Grimsby on Tuesday will start the game against Sheffield United but there will be players coming on during the game.

"I need to see who is ready for the Southend game.

"We've got some good players in this group.

"And the group of players that played against Birmingham and Deeping have done really, really well in those games.

"It's only fair they get a chance to go and show what they've got against Sheffield United and force their way into my thinking."

New signings Mallik Wilks and Ali Crawford will make their first appearances at the Keepmoat in the game, along with McCann who makes his home bow as boss.

McCann will decide late whether Tommy Rowe and James Coppinger will play any part in the game.

Both men played 60 minutes during the midweek friendlies as they continue their comebacks from injury.